Conveyer driving control



March 23, G. T D

CONVEYER DRIVING CONTROL Filed May 20, 1935 2 Sheets-Sheet l ma e-firm?Gl/f/P/IV 7000. Br

March 23, 1937. G. TODD CONVEYER DRIVING CONTROL Filed May 20, 1935 2Sheets-Sheet 2 ww p I 0 k 5 HQ r Y *H a R 5 m w\ \w\ 0 4 w mw\ a b m m6\v. m5 \Q a? QQ Patented Mar. 23,- 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICECONVEYER DRIVING CONTROL Guerin Todd, Matawan, N. 1., assi'gnor toHonson-Van W inkle-Munning Company, Matawan, N. J., a corporation of NewJersey R Application May 20, 1935, Serial No. 22.3%

' 16 Claims. (01. 204-) This invention relatesto electr c-platingapparatus, and in particular, to devices for causing the articles insuch apparatus to be subjected to a reciprocating motion, together witha travel generally in one direction. One object oi this invention is toprovide an electro-processing machine, wherein the work carrier is givena reversing motion so as to cause the work-pieces to move backward andforward within the solution.

Another object is to provide devices for providing such a forward andreverse motion to the workpiece, the motion in one direction being,greater than that in the other so that the workpiece slowly travelsthroughthe solution in one general direction,- while being moved to andfro in the solution.

Another object is to provide an electro-process- 90 ing machine of theconveyer chain type, where- ,in the conveyer chain travels in anorbitalpath, the apparatus being provided with independently driventransfer devices for transferring .the workpieces from one tank toanother, the conveyer chain being provided with means for causing it tornove forward and backward in unequal amounts. Another object is toprovide an electro-processing machine having an endless conveyer chainmounted to conveywork-pieces through various solutions, the chain beingdriven by mechanism which imparts a reciprocating motion to the chain,together with a general motion in oiie direction and transfer devicesfor transferring the work-pieces from one tank portion over thepartition or wall thereof into another tank po'rtion.

Another object is to provide an electrical thning device for operatingan electro-processing machine oi the above-described type, thiselectrical, timing device having means for causing the driving motor ofthe apparatus to operate a greater length oi time in one direction thanin another, thereby providin a reciprocation of the conveyerchain'driven thereby, together with a resultant motion in one direction.Referring to the drawings: d

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of a circuit 50 and apparatus forimparting a reciprocating motion to work-pieces, together with'aresultant motion in one direction, with single tank conveyer mechanism.

Figure 2 is an enlarged view of a portion oi the timing device shown inFigure 1.

an electro-processing machine with'transfer con- Figure 3 is atransverse section along the line 3-3 01' Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a diagrammatic view of a modified form 01 timing device.

Figure 5 is a diagrammatic view of a modified 5 form of timing devicefrom that shown in Figures 1 and i.

veyer mechanism, showing the work-pieces being conveyed throughdiilerent tanks and trans- I ierred between tanks by transfer mechanism.

Figure 9 is a transverse section along the line 9-4 of Figure 8.' 20

Hitherto, whether in the single tank conveyer type or transfer conveyertype of machine, the speed at which it was necessary-to move the workthrough the various solutions-was always less than the speed desirablefor freeing the work from the gas bubbles which collect upon it duringtreatment. The time of treatment is fixed by the thickness of thedepositto be obtained, and the length 01'' the treatment tank is fixedby the number 0! work-pieces that are to be treated in that time. Thespeed of the chain'in feet per minute is thus the tank length in feetdivided by the time in minutes. In commercial practice the chain speedis generally from oneto three 5 feet per minute,'whereas a speed of notless than five feet per minute would produce more satisfactory results,as it would wash ofi gas bubbles and particles of matter in thesolution, as well as cause a rapid change 0! the solution in con- 40tact with the objects being plated.

Referring to the drawings in detail, Figure 1 shows a single tankconveyer type o1- machine with a circuit adapted to provide thereciprceating motion, together with the resultant motion in onedirection, as created by the apparatus of this invention." In Figure 1the electroprocessing tank i is provided with a suitable liquid in whichis immersed the work-piece 2 carried on the work carrier 3. 'Therlatter, in turn, is mounted upon the work-carrying pins 4 carried bytheconveyer chain I The-conveyerchain i is arranged to move in an orbitalpath and is supported upon sprockets I and 1 at each end of the orbit.The sprocket 5 1 is supported as an idler upon the shaft 8, whereas thedriving sprocket 6 is mounted upon the shaft 9. This receives power fromthe gear boxJU, which inturn, receives power from the 5 drive shaft H ofthereversible motor l2. The motor is of the three-phase, reversibletype, and is controlled, as to reversal, by a magnetic reverser,generally designated l3, and having the solenoidal operating coils andI5, respectively.

To these operating coils are connected the armatures i6 and I1, arrangedto operate the switch rods l8 and I9. Mounted on the switch rod l8 arethe contractor switch blades 28, 2|, 22 and 23, whereas similarlymounted upon the switch rod l9 are the contractor switch blades 24, 25,26

and 21.,

The motor receives power from the magnetic reverser by way of the lines28, 29 and 30. whereasth'e reverser receives power from a main switchbox 3| by way of the lines 32, 33 and 34. The external power lines areindicated by the numerals 35, 36 and 31. A branch line 38 transmitscurrent from the line 33 to one pole of the solenoidal windings I4 andI5, the opposite poles of which are cross-connected to the upper switchblades and 24, respectively, by the lines 39 and 48.

From the main switch box 3| run the lines 4| and 42 to the synchronoustiming motor 43 of the timing device, generally designated 54. Thesynchronous motor 43 on its shaft 45 carries a gear 46, which transmitspower to a gear 48 by way of the idler gear 41 arranged therebetween.The gear 48 is mounted upon the shaft 49 of the timer, generallydesignated 58. The timer. 58, shown in enlarged view in Figure 2,consists of an insulating drum 5| mounted upon the shaft 49 and carryingon its periphery a pair of irregularly shaped segmental shells 52 and53. The drum 5| is preferably of bakelite or some other similarmaterialpThe segment 53 is connected' by the conductor 54 to the collector ring55, whereas the segment 52 is similarly connected by the conductor 56 tothe collector ring 51. The collector rings and 51 are mounted ininsulated relationship upon the drive shaft 49.

Referring again .to Figure 1, the collector rings 55 and 51 of thetimer.50 are engaged by brushes 5 58 and 59, respectively, whereas thecentral segments 52 and 53 are engaged by a brush 80. The brush 68, asshown by the double-headed rotor, is adjustable longitudinally along thetimer. The brush66 receives current from the 55 power line 32 by way ofthe line 6|, whereas the lines 62 and 63, respectively, convey currentfrom the brushes 58 and 59 to the magnetic reverser i3.

In the operation of the apparatus shown in 60 Figure 1, the synchronousmotor 43 is operated to rotate the timer. shaft 49 through the geartrain 48, 41 and 48. The segments 52 and 53, of

unequal peripheral extent, pass beneath the central brush 60 so thatcurrent'is passed between 5the brush 68 and the collector rings 55 and51 for unequal periods. Accordingly, when the brush 68 is-in contactwith the segment 53, as

shown, the operating coil [4 is energized through the switch blade 24carried by the switch rod 70 I9, thereby energizing the motor I2 todrive the conveyer chain-5 in one direction.

As long as the timer rotates to bring the segment 52 under the centralbrush 60, the current passes from the latter to the collector ring 551;deenergizing the operating coil l4, .dropping its switch rod i8 andenergizing the operating coil l5 through the switch blade 28. Thisaction causes current to be received reversely by the motor |2,.reversing the direction of rotation thereof and accordingly reversingthe direction of motion of the conveyer chain 5. It will be seen,however, that the peripheral extent of the segment 52 is much less thanthat of the segment 53', hence, the conveyer chain 5 will be operated agreater distance in one direction than in the other. Thus, thework-piece 2 will be given a reciprocating motion, having a greaterextent in one direction than in the other, giving a. reciprocation witha resultant motion in one direction.

By moving the central brush 68 relatively to the segments 52 and 53 in alongitudinal direction the proportionate period of engagement of thesegment 53 compared with the segment 52 may bevaried. By moving thebrush 60 to the left (Figure 1), for example, the disparity of motionbetween the opposite directions is increased because the peripheralextent of the segment 53 is increased while that of the segment,

52 is being decreased. By moving the brush 68 in a right-hand directionthe opposite effect is obtained.

Instead of the timer, generally indicated by the reference numeral 58(Figure 1), a modified form of timer, shown in Figure 4, may beemployed. In this modified form the gear 46 on the synchronous motorshaft 45 'drives a pinion 10 upon a shaft 1|, which also carries thegear 12. The latter, in turn, meshes with the pinion 13 mounted upon theshaft 14. The latter carries the disc 15 with the crank pin 16 thereon.On the crank pin 18 is pivotally mounted the connecting rod 11, theopposite end of which is pivotally connected, as at 18, to areciprocating member 19. On the" reciprocating member 19 is mounted apairof plates and 8|, insulated from one another, the member 19 beingpreferably of insulating material. The plate 88 is provided with .anelectrical conductor 82 to convey current-therefrom, whereas the plate8| has a similar electrical conductor 83-. These two electricalconductors are in pig-tail form to enable a flexible connection duringthe reciprocation of the plates.

Arranged to engage the plates is a brush 84 mounted on the arm 85,pivoted as at 86, to a support 81. The support 81 carries a quadrant 88having an arcuate slot 89 therein. The arm 85 is provided with a clampscrew 98, engaging the arcuate slot 88 and serving to clamp the arm 85in any desired position around its pivot 86. By suitably adjusting thearm 85 the position of the brush 84 relative to the plates 88 and 8| maybe varied.

When the shaft 45 of the synchronous motor 43 is rotated the connectingrod 11 obviously reciprocates, likewise causing a reciprocation of thereciprocating member 19. Under these conditions-the brush 84 alternatelyengages plates '80 and 8| for different periods of time.

Current is supplied to the brush 84 through the line 6| and passesoutward either through the conductor 82 or the conductor 83 fordifferent periods of time, as determined by the angular adjustment ofthe arm 85 upon the quadrant 88.

The apparatus shown in Figure 4 is electrically connected in a mannersimilar to that of the arrangement shown in Figure 1, and produces a.

similar effect upon the reciprocation of the conveyer chain 5 by,operating the motor 12' in a re- The modified form of timing deviceshown in Figure 5 is driven through a train of gears and a connectingrod, generally designated 11, in a manner similar to that of Figure 4,described above. The connecting rod 11 is provided with an adjustment9|, whereby the effective length of the connecting rod 'I'I may beadjusted between the axis of the crank pin I6 and the pivot pin 92,

where it is connected to the arm 93 of a cam 94.

The cam 04 is pivotally mounted, as at 95, and has on its periphery acam surface 96, of a configuration suitable for the switch-shiftingpurpose described below.

Arranged to engage the cam surface 06 is a follower I (Figure mountedupon an arm lated to and fro by the connecting rod 11, and the mercuryswitch III! will be tilted first in one direction and then in theopposite direction as the follower I00 is engaged by the diiferentportions of the cam surface 96. Under these conditions the switch I0'Imay be connected to the same lines as the timing device shown in Figure1, and employed to operate the magnetic'reverser I3 in a similar manner.It will be observed that by turning the adjustment 9| the relative move-7 ment of the cam surface 96 on either side of its neutral point 91 maybe adjusted by varying the setting of the adjustment 9-I thereby causingthe switch tube II" to be tilted longer in one position than in theother. This, in turn, causes the motor I2 to be operated a longer periodof time in one direction than in the other.

The modified form of timing device shown in Figure 7 is similar to thatshown in Figure 1 and like numerals denote similar parts. In the Fig- Fure '7 construction, however, the gear train is -.replaced by a variablespeed reduction unit i20,

having an adjusting wheel I2I. This variable speed reduction unit is ofa conventional type, the details of which form no part of the presentinvention. By adjusting the wheel I2I thespeed obtained from the shaftI22 thereof and applied to the timing device may be varied so that theultimate speed of travel of the conveyer chain may be varied as well asthe proportionate travel in its opposite direction of travel.

By the use of the timing device of thisinven tion to reciprocate theconveyer chain, however, this waste space may be utilized for: themotion of the work-pieces. In this manner the effective length of thetank may be increased and the speed of motion of the work-pieces alsoincreased thereby increasing the elimination of the gas bubbles whichotherwise collect upon the work-pieces.

In the arrangement shown in Figures 8 and 9 the work-pieces, by thereciprocation, can be given an effectively high speed for eliminatingthe gas bubbles, and at the same time the resultant onward travel of thework-piece is sufliciently small to accommodate it to the mechanicallimitations of the apparatus.

The length of the conveyer for an electro-processing machine isordinarily determined by the number of. pieces to be processed and thetime required to obtain the desired thickness of plated coating. To thisend the apparatus in Figures 8 and 9 consists of a plurality of tanksI30, I3 I and I32 arranged in an orbital path, and having work-pieces$33 immersed in the liquid therein. The work-pieces I33 are suspendedfrom work carriers I34 having arms I35 with apertures I36 adapted toslip over pins I31, spaced at intervals along the endless conveyer chainI 38. The latter moves in an orbital path in a manner similar to thatpreviously described in connection with Figure 1. V

The transfer mechanism arranged adjacent each partition between tanksconsists of an orbital guide frame I39, having a guideway I40 in whichmoves the follower I.4I on a pin I42 in the end of a rod E43. The upperends of the work holders I 34 are provided with downwardly opening yokedportions or sockets I44 adapted to be engaged by the outer end of thepin I42. The rod I 43 is mounted for reciprocation in the guideways I45of the cradle I45, the latter being attached to the transverse shaft i4!having the bevel gear I48 driven by the bevel gear I49 on thelongitudinal shaft I50.

The longitudinal shaft I50 is driven independently of the conveyer chainI38 but in timed relationship therewith sothat the rod I43 will arriveat the proper position for engaging the socketed portion I44 of the workcarrier I34 when the latter arrives opposite the left-hand lower cornerof the guide frame I39. The rod I43 simultaneously reciprocates andsweeps through an angular path in a clockwise direction, while itsfollower I4I moves around the orbital path formed by the guideway I40.

The conveyer chain I38 is reciprocated in almove to and fro through theentire space within the tank I30, i3I or I32. The chain I38 thus movesforward, backward and forward again between each operation of thetransfer mechanism so that the spaces otherwise empty at the ends of thetanks are fully utilized. 4

It will be understood that it is desired to.com prehend within thisinvention such modifications as come within the scope of the claims andthe invention.

It will be further understood that in place of the reversible motor,reversing devices may be used for reversing the direction of power froma non-reversible motor to the conveyer chain, these devices beingoperated by the timing devices of the presentinvention.

It will be further understood that in place of the arcuate adjustment ofthe arm 05, in Figure i, a linear adjustment may be provided to vary theposition of the brush 8d.

Having thus fully described the invention, what is claimed as new andLetters Patent, is:

1. In ,an electro-processing machine, an endless work-conveying chainhaving means asso- 5 ciated therewith for supporting work-pieces, a

tank arranged to receive said work-pieces, a modesired to be secured bytor for driving said chain, reversing means for reversing the directionof motion of said chain,

' 'rent distributor connected to said reverser and havihg a plurality ofconductors insulated from ,one another, a contact member arranged toengage said conductors, and means for moving said 25 conductors and saidcontact member into alter- ,nate engagement with one another whereby tomove said chain alternately in opposite directions.

3. In an electro -processing machine, an endless work-conveyingchain'having means asso- 30 ciated therewith for supporting work-pieces,a

tank arranged to receive said work-piecesa motor for driving said chain,a reverser for reversing the direction of motion of said chain, elec- Ytrical means for operating said reverser, a cur- ,3 rent distributorconnected to said reverser and having a plurality of conductorsinsulated from one another, a contact member arranged to engage saidconductors, and means for moving said conductors and said contactmen berinto alter- ;o nate engagement with one another for difierentproportionate periods of time in each cycle of motion whereby to movesaid chain to and fro alternately in opposite directions but with aresultant progressive motion in a single direction.

ciated therewith for supporting work-pieces, a tankarranged to receivesaid work-pieces, a mo- 4 tor for driving said chain, a reverser forreverstrical means for operating said reverser, a current distributorconnected to said reverser, a synchronous motor for operating saidcurrent dis-' tributor, said current distributor having a plua contactmember arranged to engage said conductors, and means for moving saidconductors and said contact member into alternate engagement with oneanother whereby to operate said 0 chain alternately'in'oppositedirections.

less work-conveying chain having means associated therewith forsupporting work-pieces, a tank arranged to receive said work-pieces, amo-v torfor driving said chain, a reverser for revers- I ing thedirection of-motion of said chain, electri- ;cal means for operatingsaid reverser, a timing drum having segments of unequal peripheralextent electrically connected to 7 said reverser, an electricalcon'tactmember arranged to engage said segments, and means for rotatingsaid timing drum whereby to bring said segments alternately intoengagement with said contact member.

4.. In an electro-processing machine, an endless work-conveying chainhaving means asso ing the direction of motion of said chain, elect-1rality of conductors insulated from one another;

5. In an electro-processing machine, an end-- work-conveying chain.

6. In an electro-processing machine, an endless work-conveying chainhaving means associated therewith for supporting work-pieces, a tankarranged to receive said workpieces, a motor for driving said chain, areverser for reversing the direction of motion of said chain, electricalmeans for operating saidreverser, a timing drum having segments ofunequal peripheral extent electrically connected to said reverser, anelectrical contact member arranged-to engage said segments, and meansfor rotating said timing drum to bring said segments alternately intoengagement with said contact member, said timing drum and saidelectrical contact member being adjustable axially with respect to oneanother whereby to vary the proportionate periods of contact 01 saidsegments with said electrical contact member. a

7. In anelectro-processing machine, an endles work-carrying chain havingmeans associated therewith-for supporting work-pieces, a tank arrangedto receive said work-pieces, a motor for driving said chain, a reverserfor reversing the direction of motion of said chain, electrical meansincluding a circuit for operating said reverser, a double-throw switchin said circuit and arranged to contrqlthe-actuation of said electricalmeans, mechanism to close said switch alternately in its two positions,and means to adjust said switch-closing mechanism whereby to vary therelative period of closure in each position.

8. In an electro-processing machine, an endless work-conveying chain,amotorior driving said chain, a reverser forreversing the direction ofmotion of said chain, electrical means for op erating said reverser fordifierent distances of alternate reciprocation, a plurality of tankportions arranged along the path of said chain, worktransfer devices atthe partitions between said tanks, and means for driving saidwork-transfer devices. independently of said alternately reeiprocablechain but in timed relationship therewith. 9. In an electro-processingmachine, an endless work-conveying chain, a motor for driving saidchain, a' reverser for reversing the direction of motion of said chain,electrical means for operating said reverser for difierent distances ofalternate reciprocation, a plurality of tank portions arranged along thepath of said chain, work-transfer devices at -the partitions betweensaid tanks, and means for driving said work- 'transier devicesindependently of said alternate:

lyreciprocablechain but in timed relationship therewith, saidwork-transier devices being arranged to engage the 'work-pieces'conveyedby said chain when said work-pieces arrive at the partition betweensuccessive tanks.

10. In an electro-processingfmachine, an endless work-conveying chain, amotor for driving said chain, a reverser for reversing the direction ofmotion of said chain, electrical means for operating said reverser fordiiierent distances of alternate reciprocation, a plurality of tankportionsqarranaged along the path of said chain,

,work-transier devices at the partitions between said tanks, and meansfor driving said, worktransfer devices independently of said alternatelyreciprocable chain but in timed relationship therewith,'saidwork-transfer devices being arranged to operate at" a higher speed thansaid GUERIN TODD.

